Timothy Loest composer / arranger

Timothy Loest is a nationally known composer, arranger and music educator. His young band publications possess an accessible, artistic style that flows from thirty years in the classroom.

Tim had his first work published in 1995 by Warner Brothers Publications. Today he is an exclusive writer for The FJH Music Company with 74 published pieces and two published supplemental methods. His Warm-ups and Beyond has sold over 169,000 copies and his band pieces, recorded by the world-renowned Washington Winds, have been performed in over twenty-five countries. Tim is also coauthor of Measures of Success®: A Comprehensive Musicianship Band Method. This progressive method has established a new paradigm in how instrumental music is taught and learned.

As a clinician, Tim delivers engaging and thought-provoking presentations on various aspects of instrumental music. His heart-felt approach to teaching has gained the attention of education notables, including Dr. Curtis Funk, Associate Professor of Music Emeritus at the Wheaton College Conservatory who said, "Tim Loest's years of teaching and composing make him an encyclopedia of successful music education methods and materials. His instruction is clear, organized and comprehensive."

In addition to composing and teaching, Tim is sought after as a guest conductor. He frequently directs bands in Illinois and has made appearances in Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, California, Georgia, Oregon, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Alabama. He is also a respected pedagogical consultant. Tim helped establish The FJH Band Series Guidelines. He also edited the very successful Superior Bands in Sixteen Weeks by Dr. Quincy Hilliard.

Tim received his Bachelor of Music Education degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Illinois State University and his Master of Music degree from Northwestern University. Tim holds membership in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the Illinois Music Education Association (IMEA), the Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA), the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the Christian Educators Association International (CEAI).

Tim is band director at F.E. Peacock Middle School in Itasca, Illinois. An ASCAP award-winning composer, he promotes music education through his writing and teaching. He welcomes commissions and can be contacted through his website.